Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02430534 2003-05-30
DISPLAY ASSEMBLY HAVING A PLURALITY OF HOLLOW V~TEDGE-SHAPED
FRAMES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to display assemblies and picture frames and,
more particularly, to a display assembly comprising a plurality of hollow
wedge-shaped frames
for displaying works of art.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a display assembly for displaying a
work of art. A variety of display assemblies for works of art are known in the
art.
United States Patent No. D169,116 (Wienke) discloses an ornamental design for
a
picture frame comprising four opposing trapezoidal frame members which form a
rectangle in
top view. There is no suggestion in this reference of a plurality of hollow
wedge-shaped frames.
United States Patent No. D243,989 (Cohen) discloses an ornamental design for a
photograph holder comprising a plurality (four) of rectangular framed display
areas. Two of the
four display areas, arranged on a diagonal, are recessed with respect to the
other two. The frame
members are not wedge-shaped. United States Patent No. D242,970 (Cohen) is
similar to that of
the '989 patent, but with only two display areas, one recessed with respect to
the other.
United States Patent No. D253,986 (Lyman) discloses a foldable display for
photographs or the like. None of the frame members in this patented invention
are wedge-
shaped.
UW ted States Patent No. D437,490 (Vincent) discloses a multiplane picture
frame
assembly, where the plurality of frames are secured to one another with dowels
or pegs. This
invention does not disclose.hollow wedge-shaped frames.
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CA 02430534 2003-05-30
United States Patent No. D254,114 (Iryman et al.) discloses a display for
photographs or the like. The display comprises a plurality of areas for
displaying photographs,
some of which have angled side surfaces. However, the planar display surfaces
are arranged in a
plurality of planes, and not a single plane. Also, there are n~ hollow wedge-
shaped frames
protruding outwardly from the planar display surfaces.
United States Patent No. 3,722,112 (Sesto) discloses a picture frame assembly
having a plurality of frames and a means for overlapping the frames to
resemble a collage. All
of the frames comprise rectangular (non-wedge-shaped) side members.
United States Patent No. 5,020,251 (Cheng) discloses a multi-level holder of
sheet
materials. His individual display areas are disposed on different planes amd
his device includes
no hollow wedge-shaped frames protruding outwardly from the display places.
What is needed, then, is a display assembly for works of art having a
plurality of
hollow wedge-shaped frames fixedly secured to one another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention broadly comprises a display assembly having a plurality
of
hollow wedge-shaped frames. In one embodiment the display assembly ccamprises
a plurality of
hollow wedge-shaped frames, wherein at least two of said plurality of hollow
wedge-shaped
frames are fixedly secured to one another. In another embodiment, the display
assembly
comprises a plurality of hollow wedge-shaped frames wherein at least two of
the plurality of
frames each have a surface in common with a single plane.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a display assembly having a
plurality of hollow wedge-shaped frames fixedly secured to one another, where
at least one of
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the plurality of hollow wedge-shaped frames is disposed in a different angular
orientation with
respect to at least one other hollow wedge-shaped frame.
A general object of the invention is to provide a display assembly having a
plurality of hollow wedge-shaped frames, all of which share a.common planar
display surface.
Another object of the invention is to provide a display assembly having a
plurality
of hollow wedge-shaped frames arranged in different angular orientations with
respect to one
another.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will
become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the following
detailed description of the invention in view of the several drawings of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTI~N (7F THE DRAWINGS
The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more
fully
described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with
the accompanying
drawing figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention as viewed from the
front;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in Figure 1,
except
viewed from the back;
Figure 2A is a fragmentary view of hinge 34, rear panel 32, and support
element
40, taken generally along line 2A-2A in Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the present invention
shown
in Figure l, illustrating five hollow wedge-shaped frames in one embodiment
ofthe invention;
In Figures 3A-3EE herebelow, the adjectives '°top°',
'°bottom", "right'°, "left",
"front" and "back", refer to the perspective of one facing the display
assembly of Figure 3A:
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Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of frame 11 shown in.Figure 3;
Figure 3B is a perspective view of frame member 1 la shown in Figure 3;
Figure 3C is a front view of frame member l la, taken along line 3C-3C in
Figure
3B;
Figure 3D is a back view of frame member' 11 a;
Figure 3E is a top view of frame member 11 a, taken along line 3E-3E in Figure
3B;
Figure 3F is a bottom view of frame member 11a, taken along line 3F-3F in
Figure 3B;
Figure 3G is a left side view of frame member 11a, taken along line 3G-3G in
Figure 3B;
Figure 3H is a right side view of frame member 11 a, taken along line 3H-3H of
Figure 3B;
Figure 3J is a perspective view of frame member 1 1b shown. in Figure 3;
Figure 3K is a front view of frame member 1 1b, taken along line 3K-3K in
Figure
3 J;
Figure 3L is a back view of frame member 1 1b;
Figure 3M is a top view of frame member 1 1b, taken along line 3M-3M in Figure
3J;
Figure 3N is a bottom view of frame member 1 1b, taken along ~ line 3N-3N in
Figure 3J;
Figure 3P is a left side view of frame member 11b, taken along line 3P-3P in
Figure 3J;
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Figure 3J;
3R;
3R;
Figure 3R;
Figure 3R;
Figure 3Q is a right side view of frame member l 1b, taken along Iine 3Q-3Q of
Figure 3R is a perspective view of frame member 11 c shown in Figure 3;
Figure 3S is a front view of frame member 11c, taken along line 3S-3S in
Figure
Figure 3T is a back view of frame member 11 c;
Figure 3U is a top view of frame member 1 lc, taken along line 3U-3U in Figure
Figure 3V is a bottom view of frame member 11c, taken along line 3V-3V in
Figure 3 W is a left side view of frame member 11 c, taken along line 3 W-3 W
in
Figure 3X is a right side view of frame member l lc, taken along line 3X-3X of
Figure 3R;
3Y;
Figure 3Y;
Figure 3Y;
Figure 3Y is a perspective view of frame member 1 1d shown in Figure 3;
Figure 3Z is a front view of frame member l 1d, taken along line 3Z-3Z in
Figure
Figure 3AA is a back view of frame member 11d;
Figure 3BB is a top view of frame member 11d, taken along line 3BB-3BB in
Figure 3CC is a bottom view of frame member l 1d, taken along Line 3CC-3CC in
CA 02430534 2003-05-30
Figure 3DD is a left side view of frame member 11d, taken along line 3DD-3DD
in Figure 3Y;
Figure 3EE is a right side view of frame member l 1d, taken along line 3EE-3EE
of Figure 3Y;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly of the invention,
taken
generally along line 4-4 in Figure 2;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention shown in
Figure
l; except viewed from the left side and disassembled;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of frame
11;
In Figures 6A-6DD herebelow, the adjectives °'top", "bottom", "right",
"left°',
"front°' and "back", refer to the perspective of one facing the frame
of Figure 6:
Figure 6A is a perspective view of frame member 11 a shown in Figure 6;
Figure 6B is a front view of frame member 11 a, taken along line 6B-6B in
Figure
6A;
Figure 6C is a back view of frame member 1 la;
Figure 6D is a top view of frame member l la, taken along line 6D-6D in Figure
6A;
Figure 6E is a bottom view of frame member 11 a, taken along line 6E-6E in
Figure 6A;
Figure 6F is a left side view of frame member 11 a, taken along line 6F-6F in
Figure 6A;
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Figure 6G is a right side view of frame member l la, taken along line 6G-6G of
Figure 6A;
Figure 6H is a perspective view of frame member 1 1b shown in Figure 6;
Figure 6J is a front view of frame member 1 1b, taken along line 6J-6J in
Figure
6H;
Figure 6K is a back view of frame member l 1b;
Figure 6L is a top view of frame member l 1b, taken along line 6L-6L in Figure
6H;
Figure 6M is a bottom view of frame member l 1b, taken along line 6M-6M in
Figure 6H;
Figure 6N is a left side view of frame member 11b, taken along line 6N-6N in
Figure 6H;
Figure 6P is a right side view of frame member l 1b, taken along line 6P-6P of
Figure 6H;
Figure 6Q is a perspective view of frame member 11 c shown in Figure 6;
Figure 6R is a front view of frame member l lc, taken along line 6R-6R in
Figure
6Q;
Figure 6S is a back view of frame member 11 c;
Figure 6T is a top view of frame member 11 c, taken along line 6T-6T in Figure
6Q;
Figure 6U is a bottom view of frame member 11c, taken along line 6U-6U in
Figure 6Q;
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Figure 6V is a left side view of frame member 11c, takeh along line 6V-6V in
Figure 6Q;
Figure 6W is a right side view of frame member 1 lc, taken along line 6W-6W of
Figure 6Q;
Figure 6X is a perspective view of frame member 11d shown in Figure 6;
Figure 6Y is a front view of frame member 11 d, taken along line 6Y-6Y in
Figure
6X;
Figure 6Z is a back view of frame member 1 1d;
Figure 6AA is a top view of frame member l 1d, taken along line 6AA-6AA in
Figure 6X;
Figure 6BB is a bottom view of frame member 11 d, taken along line 6BB-6BB in
Figure 6X;
Figure 6CC is a left side view of frame member 11d, taken along line 6CC-6CC
in Figure 6X;
Figure 5DD is a right side view of frame member 1 1d, taken along line 6DD-6DD
of Figure 6X;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of° the frame
assembly,
wherein the individual frames are not in contact with one another; and,
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the frame assembly,
similar to that depicted in Figure l, except with the plurality of frames
arranged in a single tier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE 1NVENTLON
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different
drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While
the present
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CA 02430534 2003-05-30
invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the
preferred
embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of display assembly 10 as viewed from the
front.
Display assembly 10 broadly comprises a plurality of hollow wedge-shaped
frames (11, 13, 16,
17 and 18) secured together to form an assembly. (Although five hollow wedge-
shaped frames
are shown in the drawings, the claims are directed to a display assembly
having only a plurality
(at least two) of hollow wedge-shaped frames.) In a preferred embodiment, at
least two of the
plurality of frames share a common co-planar surface, as will be described
infra, which co-planar
surface enables respective works of art 14 to be displayed is a common plane.
Also, in a
preferred embodiment, the individual frames are arranged directly adjacent one
another, although
the claims are not intended to be so limited (i.e., two or more of the frames
may be arranged in
spaced-apart relationship, with a gap therebetween). It should also be
appreciated that Figure 1
depicts an assembly where the frames are stacked in two tiers, with frames 13
and 16 arranged
on a bottom tier, and frames 17, 18 and 11 arranged in a second upper tier. It
should be apparent
that the frames may be arranged in a single tier (as shown in Figure 8, for
example), stacked in a
double-tier arrangement as shown, a triple-tier, etc. Also, although the
arrangement of assembly
shown in Figure 1 generally resembles a rectangle in overall shape, it should
be apparent to
those having ordinary skill in the art that other shapes of the assembly are
possible, including but
not limited to round (circular), polygonal (triangular, rectangular, etc.),
asymmetrical, etc.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the display assembly shown in Figure l,
except
viewed from the back. Framing member 19 circumscribes the plurality of hollow
wedge-shaped
frames 1 l, 13, 16, 17, and 18. In this embodiment, then, framing member 19 is
located "behind"
the plurality of frames as shown in Figure 2. however, it should be readily
apparent to one
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CA 02430534 2003-05-30
skilled in the art that framing member 19 may be attached to the plurality of
frames in another
configuration, such as around the outsides of the frames.
Figure 2 also shows rear panel 32 and support means 30, as is well known in
the
framing art. As shown in Figure 2A, support means 30 comprises hinge 34 having
a first hinge
element 36 fixedly connected to rear panel 32. Second hinge element 38 is
pivotally connected
to the first hinge element. Support elexhent 40 is faxedly secured to second
hinge element 38.
Support element 40 is operatively arranged to be rotated away from backing
panel 20 to provide
a structural support when apparatus 10 is placed on a horizontal surface. When
display 10 is to
be stored or hung on a wall, support element 40 may be rotated to lie flat
against rear panel 32.
Retaining means 24 (shown in Figure 2) holds rear panel 32 in place behind the
plurality of frames. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, retaining means 24
comprise three
rotating tabs. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art that other means of
securing a backing panel to a frame are possible, and these modifications are
intended to be
within the spirit and scope of the invention as clairrned.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display assembly shown in
Figure
1. This view clearly shows that display assembly 10 comprises a plurality of
hollow wedge-
shaped frames 17, 18, 1l, 13 and 16. By "wedge-shaped" it is meant that each
frame assumes a
v~ell-known shape of wedge. For example, frame 11 includes a "thick" end
comprising member
1 la, and a "thin" end comprising member 11c. The remaining two side members l
1b and l 1d are
tapered from the thick end to the thin end. By "hollow" it is meant that the
four frame members
create a viewing aperture bounded by the frame members. For example, frame 11
includes
viewing aperture 11 e.
CA 02430534 2003-05-30
For clarity and completeness in description, Figure 3 also shows frames 13,
16, 17
and 18. Frame 13 includes "thick" frame member 13a, opposing parallel "thin"
frame member
13c, and tapered side members 13b and 13d, joined together as shown. Frame 16
includes "thick"
frame member 16a, opposing parallel "thin" frame member 16c, and tapered side
members 16b
and 16d, joined together as shown. Frame 17 includes "thick°' frame
member 17a, opposing
parallel "thin" frame member 17c, and tapered side members 17b and 17d, joined
together as
shown. Frame 18 includes "thick'° frame member 18a, opposing parallel
'°thin" frame member
18c, and tapered side members 18b and 18d, joined together as shown,
Figure 3 also illustrates another novel aspect of the display assembly, that
of
"angular orientation'" of the plurality of frames. With reference to Figure 3,
note that frame 11 is
positioned such that "thick" end 1 l a is at the top of the view, and "thin"
end l l c is at the bottom
of the view. We refer to this as the 0° angular orientation. Note that
frame 13 is rotated 90°
clockwise with respect to frame 11, such that "thick" member 13a is now
rightward of "thin°~
member 13c. We define this as the 90° orientation. Similarly, frame 16
has been rotated 90°
clockwise with respect to frame 13, such that "thick" member 16a is now at the
bottom of the
view, and "thin" member 16c is now at the top of the view. We define this as
the 180°
orientation. Finally, frame 17 has been rotated 90° clockwise with
respect to frame 16, such that
"thick" member 17a is now at the bottom of the view, and "thin" member 17c is
now at the top of
the view. We define this as the 270° orientation. Frame 18 is shown in
the 90° orientation. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two of the frames of the
plurality have different
angular orientations.
Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of frame 11. Figure 3B is a
perspective view of frame member 11a. Figure 3C is a front view of frame
member 11a,
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showing front face 111. Figure 3D is a rear view of frame member 11 a, showing
rear face 112.
Figure 3E is a top view of frame member l la, showing top face I13. Figure 3F
is a bottom view
of frame member I l a, showing bottom face 114, left side face 115, right side
face 116, and front
face l l l . Figure 3G is a left side view of frame member i 1 a, showing left
side face 115. Figure
3H is a right side view of frame member l la, showing right side face 116.
Figure 3J is a perspective view of frame member l 1b. Figure 3K is a front
view
of frame member 1 1b, showing front face 121. Figure 3L is a rear view of
frame member 11b,
showing rear face 122. Figure 3M is a top view of frame member l 1b; showing
top face 123.
Figure 3N is a bottom view of frame member l 1b, showing bottom face 1.24 and
front face 121.
Figure 3P is a left side view of frame member l 1b, showing left side face
125, top face 123, and
bottom face 124: Figure 3Q is a right side view of frame member l 1b, showing
right side face
126.
Figure 3R is a perspective view of frame member l lc: Figure 3S is a front
view
of frame member 11 c, showing front face 131. Figure 3T is a rear view of
frame member 11 c,
showing rear face 132. Figure 3U is a top view of frame member 11c, showing
top face 133, left
side face 135, and right side face 136. Figure 3V is a bottom view of frame
member 11c,
showing bottom face 134 and front face 131. Figure 3W is a left side view of
frame member
l lc, showing left side face 135. Figure 3X is a right side view of frame
member l lc, showing
right side face 136.
Figure 3Y is a perspective view of frame member 11d. Figure 3Z is a front view
of frame member 1 1d, showing front face 141. Figure 3AA is a rear view of
frame member l 1d,
showing rear face 142. Figure 3BB is a top view of frame member 11 d, showing
top face 143.
Figure 3CC is a bottom view of frame member 11d, showing bottom face 144 and
front face 141.
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Figure 3DD is a left side view of frame member l 1d, showing left side face
145. Figure 3EE is a
right side view of frame member I la, showing right side face 146; top face
143, and bottom face
144.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of.the display assembly of the invention,
taken
generally along line 4-4 in Figure 2. Matte I5 is shown in Figure 4 located
behind the plurality
of frames. Matte 15 provides a decorative border between works of art 12 and
14. and the
plurality of frames. The color of the matte may be chosen to provide a
contrast between the
work of art and the frame. Transparent panel 22 is located just behind matte
15. Works of art 12
and l4 are located oxi backing panel 23. Rear panel 32 is located behind
backing panel 23, which
is kept in position by retaining means 24.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention shown in
Figure
1, except viewed from the side and disassembled. The following elements of a
preferred
embodiment are shown: matte 15, transparent panel 22, backing panel 23, and
works of art 12
and 14.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of frame
11. Figure 6A is a perspective view of frame member 1 la. Figure 6B is a front
view of frame
member 11a; showing front face 211. Figure 6C is a rear view of frame member
11a, showing
rear face 212. Figure 6D is a top view of frame member 1 Ia, showing top face
213. Figure 6E is
a bottom view of frame member 11a, showing bottom face 214. Figure 6F is a
left side view of
frame member 1 l a, showing left side face 215. Figure 6G is a right side view
of frame member
11 a, showing right side face 216.
Figure 6H is a perspective view of frame member 1 1b. Figure 6J is a front
view
of frame member l 1b, showing front face 22I. Figure 6K is a rear view of
frame member l 1b,
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showing rear face 222. Figure 6L is a top view of frame member 11b, showing
top face 223.
Figure 6M is a bottom view of frame member 11b, showing bottom face 224.
Figure 6N is a left
side view of frame member 11b, showing left side face 225. Figure 6P is a
right side view of
frame member 1 1b, showing right side face 226.
Figure 6Q is a perspective view of frame member 1 lc. Figure 6R is a front
view
of frame member 11c, showing front face 231. Figure 6S is a rear view of frame
member l lc,
showing rear face 232. Figure 6T is a top view of frame member 11 c, showing
top face 233.
Figure 6U is a bottom view of frame member 11c, showing bottom face 234.
Figure 6V is a left
side view of frame membex 11c, showing left side face 235. Figure 6W :is a
right side view of
frame member l lc, showing right side face 236.
Figure 6X is a perspective view of frame member 1 1d. Figure 6Y is a front
view
of frame member l 1d, showing front face 241. Figure 6Z is a rear view of
frame member l 1d,
showing rear face 242. Figure 6AA is a top view of frame member 11d, showing
top face 243.
Figure 6B8 is a bottom view of frame member 11 d, showing bottom face 244.
Figure 6CC is a
left side view of frame member 1 1d, showing left side face 245. Figure 6DD is
a right side view
of frame member 11 a, showing right side face 246.
Figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the display assembly. In this
embodiment, the individual frames are secured to framing member 19, but not to
one another. In
other words there exists a gap 61 between the individual frames.
As described previously, Figure 8 illustrates yet another (third) embodiment
of the
display assembly, where the plurality of frames are arranged in a single tier,
in an asymmetric
(jagged) orientation. In this embodiment, at Ieast two of the frames each
hay=e at least one surface
which is coplanar.
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Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently
obtained,
although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent
to those having
ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are intended to be vrithin
the spirit and scope of
the invention as claimed.
